What is EMDR?

A Willow client said to me the other day…

  “It’s like I have a new brain.  I love it!”

I responded…

“You have the same brain; it’s just working in a better way”.

EMDR helped do that.

What is EMDR?

EMDR is short for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.  It is designed to help alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories or experiences.

Often, trauma causes the brain to become “stuck” on a loop of disturbing images, negative thoughts, or difficult emotions. This happens because the brain has not processed memories of the traumatic experience appropriately. Memories get stored in a maladaptive way and make it difficult for you to live freely and adapt to the present moment. 

For example, you may have “bombed” a speech in Jr. High.  Now, as an adult, each time you try to speak in a meeting you break out in hives, have trouble breathing, and feel like your heart will beat out of your chest.  The Jr. High memory is stored in a maladaptive way and is still impacting you today.  EMDR helps change the way the memory is stored.  When the brain changes the way it’s stored, you feel differently about it.  

What is an EMDR Session Like?

EMDR uses the natural healing ability of your body.  After completing an assessment and developing a treatment plan, you will be asked specific questions about a disturbing memory.  Eye movements like those in REM sleep will be recreated by asking you to follow the therapist’s finger moving back and forth across your visual field. Sometimes, a bar of moving lights or headphones are used instead.

The eye movements last a short while then stop. You will then be asked to report back on the experiences you have during each set of eye movements.  These may include changes in thoughts, images, and feelings.  Over time, the memory tends to change in such a way that it becomes “unstuck” and stored in a less distressing way.

Can EMDR Help Me?

EMDR is well researched and can be highly effective in helping people heal and recover from PTSD.  EMDR is also effective with a wider range of issues other than PTSD and can help you build upon positive traits and experiences to improve your overall wellbeing.

EMDR can address negative symptoms associated with:

• Grief                                                                              

• Phobias

• Depression                                                                 

• Panic Attacks

• Anxiety                                                                        

• Breakups or divorces             

• Recent traumatic events                                     

• Chronic Pain

EMDR can improve/enhance:

• Positive traits you already possess               

• Healthy Habits

• Self-esteem                                                                

• Positive beliefs

EMDR Therapy at Willow Counseling

Our therapists are both highly trained and excel in helping people resolve long-standing issues with EMDR. Meet the Therapists. If you are interested in EMDR therapy, reach out to us by filling out our contact form here.

DISCLAIMER

Willowcounseling2.com is meant to be for informational purposes only and should NOT be used as a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. Please always consult a trained mental health or health care professional before making decisions regarding treatment for yourself or others. Willow Counseling LLC cannot be held responsible for the use of the information provided.

The sole purpose of the Willow Counseling blog is to offer resources and information to those dealing with mental health issues. We cannot, and will not, assume the role of your physician or therapist.

If you or someone you know are experiencing an emotional crisis, please contact the National Crisis Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately if you are experiencing a physical or mental health emergency.